22 The Newbie View : Mercedes-Benz E350e

Let me just start by saying that I am not a car enthusiast nor do I know much about the technical aspects of one. Other than occasionally watching Formula One races on TV, the automotive industry is something that I do not have a strong interest in. Simply put, I get that a car is a means of transport for me and you to get around. I also come with the driving expertise of an average Joe or some of you might conclude, the average senior citizen, if you have ever been my passenger.

But here I am at Hap Seng Star, surprised that I didn't fall asleep the moment I walked in. No, it was pretty interesting listening to Hubs and the car salesman discuss and argue points over Mercedes-Benz's E 350e plug-in hybrid model.

Mercedes-Benz E350e PHEV - Exterior

Mercedes-Benz E350e PHEV - Exterior

Mercedes-Benz E350e PHEV - Exterior

We even went for a test drive. This was when it really impressed me. The car comes with 'airmatic suspension'. Huh? If this was a cartoon show, you'd see a lot of question marks popping up around my head! This function allows the car to adjust itself when going over uneven surfaces ensuring a smooth drive. The car raises up an inch when going over small humps and lowers itself for more stability when driven at higher speeds. I certainly felt the difference sitting in the back seat. The ride was comfortable, very.

Test-Driving Mercedes-Benz E350e PHEV

Mercedes-Benz E350e PHEV - Interior

Mercedes-Benz E350e PHEV - Interior

The panoramic Sunroof is the stuff of dreams. I love the feeling of driving with the sun on my cheeks and as a passenger, looking at the stars and the moon on road trips afar.

Panoramic Sunroof

What else did I like about the car? Repeat after me - BURMESTER. Possibly the most awesome audio system ever! We cranked up the radio and it felt like I had my headphones on. The surround sound experience was out of this world. Burmester is now my favourite word.

Burmester Audio System and Ambient Lighting

Worried about side parking? Hah! The car does the job for you. In and out! It's almost eerie watching the car maneuver itself into the parking lot without driver assistance but it was also spectacular. It does reverse parking too. Makes you feel like giving the car a name, doesn't it?

"Well done, Kitt. Excellent parking skills."

"You're not too bad, Sharon ... given a mile of space."

"Really, this wireless charging pad is brilliant, Kitt but it's too small to fit a Samsung Note 8." 

"The plus point? I don't like Apple either."

To be honest, the central door locking system wasn't my favourite part of the car. It irks me that the button is located on the driver's side. You have to use a stick just to reach it. There are so many occasions I can think of where this inconveniences both driver and passenger, especially when we take our old folks out. Like when you're on a road trip and stop for the loo for awhile leaving your parents or spouse in the car, or when you step out for a moment to buy a drink for them. In short, either everyone gets out of the car or someone has to reach over to the other end to lock it. The car's so wide, I'd need gorilla arms for that!

I love the boot which is equipped with contactless opening though. Swish your foot under the car and it pops up. No longer will I have to fumble for keys to open the boot when my arms are full with shopping bags ..that's if we get the car.

Overall, this car's a beauty with comfy leather seats and 64-colour ambient lighting. What's that, you say? It's that soft lighting inside the car illuminating door handles, the console and so forth creating a futuristic yet zen-like ambiance.

Mercedes-Benz

I find it amusing that I have written so much about a car but I dare bet that a couple of months into 2018, I probably won't remember many of the terms I mentioned above other than 'Burmester'. Lol.

Anyway, please forgive me if I have provided you with any inaccurate information. I was trying to keep up!

To tell you the truth, there's a whole lot of other cool stuff about the car that I've left out in this blog piece because I thought my brain was going to switch off from 'information overload'. I don't think I can take anymore technical stuff. Can we talk about food instead and how delicious it is? 😅


Let me end by wishing you Happy Winter Solstice Festival and Merry Christmas in advance. May you and your family be blessed with many happy moments and fond memories. 👪 💗

17 Taman Megah Night Market

December. Aah, the busiest month but I love it! Friends, family, food, fun, all the fond memories that come with - I like F words, don't you? Anyway, it was the cause of me leaving my blog unattended for awhile. Life happened!

Today, it being a quiet me-day, I decided to crank up the computer and tell the world that I finally had the opportunity to pop into Taman Megah's Sunday night market. It was a buzz of activity at 4.00PM with food vendors putting their tents up, arranging trays of goodies onto the table and cooking from their makeshift stoves.

Taman Megah Night Market

I met this wonderful lady who made the yummiest red velvet and most decadent chocolate cake. It was RM12 for both, I'm assuming at RM6 each.

Red Velvet and Chocolate Cakes at Taman Megah Pasar Malam

The kuih stall beckoned to me like bees to honey. I was drawn to the many variety of local cakes on display but resisted overbuying.

Kuihs at Taman Megah Night Market

These were the few I brought home. Come to think of it, it looks like I bought more than planned ..haha! The white and green domed sticky cakes on banana leaf were my favourite out of the lot. It was both filled with preserved radish, one stronger flavoured than the other. I have always had a preference for savoury kuihs. Hubs, on the other hand, leaned towards the sweet ones.

All these cakes are made with just a few ingredients mixed together typically involving the use of coconut, palm sugar, rice flour, tapioca, glutinous rice flour, sticky rice. They are all sticky cakes but vary in taste and texture. The blue glutinous rice cake is topped with grated coconut mixed with palm sugar. The green and white coconut milk cake comes with palm sugar and coconut filling. Then there's the sticky 9-layer steamed rice cake and tapioca cake. See? As we Malaysians would say, "Same-same but different!"

Sweet and Savoury Sticky Cakes from Taman Megah Night Market

For dinner, we packed home rice and some curry dishes. It was the aroma of spices that drew us to this stall and made us salivate. I drool every time I look at this picture.

Droolworthy Curry Dishes

Some other mixed rice dishes that were available. This is local food for you right there.

Mixed Rice Dishes

A small slab of roasted pork belly came home with us too. Don't know how that got into my bag. Alright, guilty for overindulging! I'm going to start pointing fingers at the guy who asked me to pay a visit to this night market - it's all his fault I'm a couple of kgs heavier today - that TM!

Roasted Pork Belly

But let's chill it with these awesome asamboi/sour plum drinks. Too satisfying for words.

Kedondong and Honey Lime with Asamboi

My walkabout at Taman Megah's Sunday night market ended with us heading to the car, sipping on these ice cold drinks. Can't wait to come back here to try the food at the other stalls, most likely in 2018!

16 Eats : Laksaamana, Yan Woh Tong at IPC Foodland

Most of the shops at IPC Mall had closed their shutters for several months to make way for major upgrading works. I was excited when I heard that the food court on the lower ground had reopened. It is quite happening now with more restaurants added to the mix. The newness of the place is a breath of fresh air.

Hubs and I decided to eat here before making our way to the cinema to watch Justice League. Has anyone here watched the movie? I thought it was awesome - that slow motion scene of Flash with the look of horror on his face when he realised Superman was on to him was oh-so-comical. I laughed and laughed!

Anyway, back to the food court at IPC. We ordered our food from Laksaamana after seeing someone enjoying an awesome rice dish from said place. Nasi Legend, they called it. Hubs ordered one for himself. It was delicious.

Laksaamana - Nasi Legend

I went for a mean bowl of Royal Laksa. The curry broth was hugely satisfying with enough ingredients to make it interesting.

Laksaamana - Royal Laksa

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/laksaamana

Laksaamana, IPC

A weekend later, we tried Yee Mee Soup at Yan Woh Tong which was located along the same row as Laksaamana. I loved this too. Very much so because it was loaded with greens underneath. Never have I felt healthier and happier. Have I mentioned before that I'm obsessed with making sure there are vegetables in my meals? It's the balanced diet thing drummed into me since young by my parents.

Yan Woh Tong - Yee Mee Soup

Well, that's it on the food I tried at IPC Shopping Centre's Foodland so far. I'll be back of course, being a regular visitor to the mall. Enjoy your weekend, my blogging friends!

18 Alce Nero and Her World Best Home Cook Contest 2017

The Her World Best Home Cook 2017 contest came to an end last Saturday with Michael Cheong declared as champion for his remarkable Moroccan Lamb in Spaghetti Baskets, winning RM3,000 in cash! The Grand Prize winner also walked away with Tefal and Alce Nero products.

Her World Best Home Cook Contest 2017 Winner -Michael Cheong (in red)
Judges, from left: Nicholas (Alce Nero), Eena (Her World Malaysia),
Ili Sulaiman (Celebrity Chef), Jack (Tefal)

The contest, sponsored by Alce Nero Malaysia and Tefal, was held in front of a live audience at Shah Alam Convention Centre as part of Tefal's Carnival Sales event.

Runner-up, Angeline Ng gave stiff competition with her fantastic Spaghetti Maki roll creation. Jean Loh took 3rd place serving up a delicious pasta dish with Tri Color Peppers, Prawn and Roasted Tomato Pomodoro sauce. To watch the winners announcement in full, this is the link to the video on Her World Malaysia's Facebook page.

Judges Ili Sulaiman (Celebrity Chef), Eena (Editor of Her World Malaysia), Nicholas (Alce Nero) and Jack (Tefal) had a tough time deciding this year's winner as participants upped their game with beautiful food styling and recipes that wowed.

From Top-Left, clockwise: 1) Eena, Editor of Her World Malaysia kicking the event off.
2) Judges tastingthe dishes. 3) Participants in action.

I was there from beginning to end. It was fun visiting the booths surrounding the stage whilst waiting for the contestants to finish their dish for judging. The event lasted just over three hours.

My favourite booth was Alce Nero Malaysia's. No surprise there since I use their products regularly. I sampled both Acacia and Wildflower honey, smacking my lips over the mild, yummy well-rounded flavour. The acacia honey was going for a bargain at a Buy 1, Free 1 promo; I couldn't resist so you know what I did there! It was a bestseller at the booth.

Alce Nero Products

Alce Nero is well known for their organic pasta and pasta sauces too. I eagerly tried the macaroni in Organic Tomato Sauce with Vegetables. Excellent stuff. See the smiling aunty manning the Alce Nero booth (pictured below)? She is an absolute sweetheart, same as the other ladies there. They attended to my questions wholeheartedly.

The moment I spotted Celebrity Chef Ili Sulaiman, I made a beeline for her. Me and new blogging buddy, Amy (mamatisya.blogspot.com) were thrilled when she agreed to a wefie. She is the nicest person!

From Top-Left, clockwise: 1) Tasting Alce Nero's honey. 2) Me winning the lucky draw.
3) Amy, Chef Ili and Me (Thanks for the pic, Amy!). 4) An Overview of Tefal Carnival Sales.

Before the judging for Her World's Best Home Cook contest came to an end, we were asked to submit a form guessing who the winner would be. Those who got it right would be in a draw to win prizes. Two were up for grabs. Guess whose name got picked out of the bag? ... Mine, haha!  

I was both thrilled and stunned at the same time. You know that feeling when you're on a high and it's all happening so fast that it seems like you're in another world? That's how it was for me, surreal. I jumped off my seat to receive the lucky draw prize, next thing I knew I was thanking several people and it didn't even feel like I had gone up there at all.

I finally met Tengku Mirafita from Alce Nero whom I'm very thankful for the invitation to this event. I went home with a lovely goodie bag from Alce Nero, a Tefal blender from the lucky draw, an electric steamer I had purchased at half price and fond memories!

From Top-Left, clockwise: Alce Nero goodie bag and Tefal blender. Tefal steamer.
The cashier counters at Tefal Canival Sales.

Registration Counter

To end, I say - Best day ever!

For more information on Alce Nero products and promotional updates, follow them on Facebook at  
https://www.facebook.com/AlceNeroMalaysia/ .

This is a sponsored post.

That said, this piece is wholly written by me and all opinions are my own.

Please read the Disclaimer for this blog under Policies.

22 Toast Egg-ventures

It all started in Penang, when I was there for a holiday last month. I had a craving for poached or soft-boiled eggs on buttered toast aka 'roti telur goyang'  (roti - bread, telur goyang - wobbly egg) . So, I had it for breakfast two days in a row and even after I was back in Kuala Lumpur.

Lucky this was a short obsession that lasted only a week. I really should be running for curry noodles or tok tok mee when I'm eating out. Telur Goyang  is, after all, something that can be easily made at home.

This is a post on which I thought was the best out of the three I tried that week.

First one's from Hang Chow Hotel cafe along Lebuh Chulia, Penang. It was OK. Presentation-wise, it kind of says, "You're here to answer the call of your growling stomach. What more do you want leh.. "

Poached Eggs On Toast - Hang Chow Hotel, Penang

Hang Chow Hotel Cafe, Penang

The next day, I ordered the same from a hawker stall at Restaurant 77 Food Yard, which is across the road from Pulau Tikus Wet Market's fruit and vegetable stalls.

A visually exciting version arrived on our table. The eggs were just the way I loved it and I admired the extra bit of effort this guy put into such a simple meal. It made a huge difference in how I felt about it. I enjoyed this thoroughly. Heavenly stuff - the yolk was oozing out like melted gold. An A-plus if someone were to ask me to rate this!

Soft-Boiled Eggs on Buttered Toast aka Telur Goyang - Penang

I was eager to poke the yolks.

Soft-Boiled Eggs on Toast - Penang

The Golden Yolk From My Eggs on Toast - Pulau Tikus Wet Market, Penang

Back in KL, and after tempting my husband with an awesome pic of the above-mentioned Pulau Tikus eggs on toast, we ordered a set to try at Hup May Kopitiam one morning. What they served us was eggs on kaya toast. This combination didn't hit it with me. Kaya sweetened egg? Ugh. Hubs didn't find it appealing either.

It just wasn't our thing. One man's meat, another man's poison is what I'm saying for this one. Some people like it this way.

Eggs On Kaya Toast - Hup May Kopitiam, Kuala Lumpur

Hup May Kopitiam, Dataran Sunway

I'm sure you know which egg breakfast I liked most out of the above since I have been quite obvious about it - the one at Pulau Tikus Wet Market, of course!

Typically, people who visit Penang will be aiming to get their fill of authentic Char Kueh Teow, Curry Mee, Assam Laksa,  Nasi Kandar  and Cendol. Me? Here I am with Roti Telur Goyang  in mind for my next trip down. 

This is the other stuff Hubs and I ordered at Hup May Coffee Shop that morning. Curry noodles, which was delicious and nian gao fritters, a yummy snack layered with yam, sticky cake and sweet potato.

Curry Noodles - Hup May Kopitiam, Kuala Lumpur

Nian Gao Fritters - Hup May Kopitiam, Kuala Lumpur

Anyone here a fan of Roti Telur Goyang? ;)

12 Penang : A Night At Time Capsule Hotel

A couple of months ago, a friend offered me a night's stay at Time Capsule Hotel, Penang - something she'd won from an online contest. I said yes. Days later, we settled on a date in October, made the necessary hotel reservations and purchased the train tickets weeks in advance. No turning back now, as they say!

Time Capsule Hotel, Penang

It was one of the best holidays. I was excited to experience a night in the minimalist futuristic-looking hotel. It had a "I'm in a spaceship" kind of feeling. A great chap named Jason handled our reservations. Patient, kind and friendly, he was our go-to guy for food and sightseeing suggestions.

We were each given a keycard and a bag containing one towel, bottled water and headphones. I collected a pair of slippers from the small shoe locker beside the lift before heading up to the floor where our 'capsules' were and was impressed with what I saw - cosy, neat and clean! It comes with a shared bathroom. There were sufficient shower cubicles, hairdryers and toilets.

Our Sleeping Quarters - Time Capsule Hotel, Penang

Bathroom - Time Capsule Hotel, Penang

I kept my backpack in the large locker located in front of my sleeping chamber, swiping my keycard onto the one with my capsule number to release the lock. The place was quiet with well-behaved guests. I was thrilled to be there.

Keycard and Capsule - Time Capsule Hotel, Penang

The hotel is located within walking distance from many touristy areas and at night, the street is quite happening with bars and restaurants lighting the area up. Night owls we were not, so we were back in the hotel 9pm-ish.

After a shower and getting into comfortable clothes, I plonked myself onto the lower capsule, plugged my keycard in to power up the space and closed the shutter. The blue lights were definitely my favourite feature! It added to the whole being in a spaceship feel.

My Bed - Time Capsule Hotel, Penang

I spent nearly an hour fiddling around with the controls from lighting, aircon to TV before I dozed off but it was a restless night as I couldn't contain my enthusiasm  - the day's activities playing over and over in my mind. It was 2am, then 3am and soon, 5am! I got up to shower, deciding sleep was a lost cause. Haha. It was zombie Sharon on the loose in Penang that day!

Time Capsule Hotel
Address: 418 & 420, Lebuh Chulia, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Telephone:+6 04-263 0888
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeCapsuleHotel/

r u l e s

25 Mr. Fussy Feathers

It wasn't long before I noticed the different traits of each of my pigeon buddies. This is a story about Mr. Fussy Feathers which I think you'll find cute. I certainly did.

While cleaning out the Pigeon Pavilion, I became aware of a feeding spot with only white seeds left behind. I thought nothing about it at first but it happened again the next day! My curiosity peaked, so I started observing the birds in earnest.

Someone's Not Eating The White Seeds

It was quite a surprise to find out who the culprit was - Whitey, whom I now sometimes refer to as 'Mr. Fussy Feathers'!

Hello, There. Are You Talking About Me?

The rest of my pigeon buddies peck all the seeds up but Whitey takes his time to avoid eating the white ones. It's so funny to watch that I wonder what goes on in that little brain of his? Is the seed too bland for his palate? Does he not like the texture? Is it the colour? And so forth.

Mr. Fussy Feathers Picking The White Seeds Out

Mr. Fussy Feathers has a best friend. His name is Tiny. They are squabbling besties. Full of mischief when together, sad and lonely when away from one another.

Tiny was a little upset with Mr. Fussy Feathers the other day. You see, it was Tiny's turn at the plant container which had their favourite plant. I have no idea what plant this is. It popped out one day and I let it grow because I figured it would be interesting to see what my pigeons ate in other places, assuming this was a seed that had gotten stuck on their feet and fell loose here, on this very soil that used to be my Pak Choy corner.

From the video, you can see that they had a bit of a scuffle. Tiny sat right down after that, looking really mad at Whitey.

Tiny Is Upset With Whitey

I hope you enjoyed reading this post about my finicky bird. Wait 'til you read about the rest. They are always up to something!

18 The Fest, The Food, The Fish

Women Fest Malaysia, Malaysia's first fashion and beauty festival, was held last weekend at Matrade Exhibition Centre, Kuala Lumpur.

WomenFest Malaysia 2017 with me as self-appointed Official Supporter

I popped by early Sunday morning to see what it's all about since it's nearby home and also because I'm pretty much a big fan of the Malaysian Women's Weekly magazine. Their events have always been exciting! I was even hoping to meet the Editor. Lol. No such luck after rounding the area twice.

I spun the wheel at the lucky draw booth and received a couple of discount vouchers.

WomenFest Malaysia 2017 - Lucky Draws and Beauty Booths

Although it was fun, it was only a half-hour adventure for me. Zoomed in and out after a quick browse at the booths. There were many food trucks outside but none called out to my taste buds. It was a case of 'just not in the mood for such stuff right now'.

WomenFest Malaysia 2017 - Talks and Food Trucks

Hubs and I left the festival to explore the newly opened road, DUKE 2, that leads to Desa ParkCity. There, we had lunch at Amelio Restaurant, which I blogged about before here.

We ordered the yummy pork curry pizza and Texan meatballs. It was a satisfying meal. The pork meat was tender, the cheese was heavenly and I love the crispy thin crust! The meatballs? Juicy!

Pork Curry Pizza

Pork Curry Pizza

Texan Meatballs

The same two warm and friendly staff attended to us.

After that, we checked out Desa ParkCity's latest development, South Brooks and the PPA1M civil servant housing, which was right next to the church. Not intending to get a home here. Just being a busybody! The monthly maintenance fee in this community is obscene. I would save that money for a holiday.

We dropped by Plaza Arkadia for a walkabout too, exploring mostly empty shop lots. It was humid although the skies were a gloomy grey so I popped into Coffee Bean to get a chilled drink.

Ice Blended Caramel, No Coffee

Our day out ended with a trip to Taman Tun's night market which opened earlier than usual possibly due to a forecast of rain. I did a bit of marketing and was excited to get a plate of medium-sized fresh fish (6pcs) for RM13. My only mistake was to trust them to remove the scales lining the middle. I usually do it myself, but since they asked ... sweetly.

Minutes later, my beautiful fish was mutilated, skin and flesh brutally torn off, some so deeply that parts of the bone could be seen. Pretty sure my heart plonked down to the bottom. Sigh, but I couldn't be mad at the guy - he was smiling and friendly so I returned his smile too. Keep calm and relax - It's SUNday!

Here it is freshly fried, the better looking side:

Fried Fish Dinner

With that, I end this post with warm wishes for a wonderful week for all of us. Tata!